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CASE STUDY

ISLINGTON BRACKET CLOCK & CASE RESTORATION

WHAT WAS THE PROBLEM?

Although the main beam supporting the Islington Bracket Clock case was running fairly straight and parallel there was movement causing the clock case to be approximately 60 mm out of true.  This could have been caused by the rust build up on the mild steel fixings causing expansion and could also have accounted for the shake on the outer end of the wooden support beam.

A great deal of the wooden cladding and decorative architrave had been fitted using mild steel fixings which over the years had rusted causing sections of the mouldings round the dial to have fallen off.

Because of the insecure state of the clock and housing and the danger to the public passing below, it was imperative that the whole structure was overhauled and made sound.

As well as the clock, we were asked to renovate the louvers on the building behind the clock.

WHAT DID WE DO?

  • We arranged for the scaffolding to be raised in order to make safe access to the top section of the clock.  It also gave access to the wall section behind the dial which we were renovating.
  • Once this was done, the decorative scrolls and the entire clock case were dismantled, together with the two copper convex dials.  We lowered all to ground level for transportation to our works.
  • We completely dismantled the clock case, ensuring that the existing timbers were preserved and numbered in order to use the existing timbers where possible.
  • We removed all paint work and thoroughly cleaned the existing timbers.  We removed all mild steel fixings, and replaced all rotten timbers with like for like.
  • We rebuilt the clock case, priming and undercoating and we supplied stainless steel bracketry.
  • The dials were stripped of all the old decoration and rubbed down to bare metal.  We then applied an etch prime coat followed by undercoat and then sprayed with high grade black gloss enamel.
  • We gilded the roman numerals and minute tracks using 24 carat, extra thick, English gold leaf, together with the two sets of clock hands.
  • We returned the dials, clock and case to site where we reassembled the clock and refitted it all to the refurbished beam, we then top coated the case with two coats of white enamel and sign wrote the 1875 date on both sides.  The dials were fitted with stainless steel fixings and the hands replaced.

THE RESULTS

The clock, dials and case were delivered on time much to the delight of the Architects and owners and is enhancing the Grade 11 listed building and in no danger to the passing public.

Testimonial

"Dear G&J Team,Thank you so much for al your hard work. The clock looks stunning, and I am so pleased with the final result. It is a credit to you. Thanks again so much, it has been great working with you."

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Gillett & Johnston (Croydon) Ltd
Unit 3, Omicron House
Fircroft Way
Edenbridge
Kent TN8 6EL

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